Hospital unveils ‘Tree of Life’ artwork honoring loved ones lost to cancer

Provided photo: Local artist Carol Culhane, left, donated this tree of life to Medina Memorial Hospital, where it now hangs in the Imaging Department. The painting was unveiled at For Women Only, where women signed the names of loved ones lost to cancer. Holding the picture are, from left, Stephanie Aquilina, X-ray technician; Sara Berlin; and Erica Chutko, director of radiology.

MEDINA – Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only, held in October at White Birch Golf Course, had a touching and unique feature.

During the event, the community came together for a special cause – a fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting cancer services.

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Devon Heveron of Lyndonville, left, signs her grandmother’s name on a tree of life painted by artist Carol Culhane. The tree was featured at Orleans Community Health’s For Women Only in October at White Birch Golf Course.

“The event not only aimed to raise essential funds, but also sought to create a meaningful and personal experience for attendees,” said Scott Robinson, director of marketing at Orleans Community Health.

At the center of this touching event was a unique artistic contribution by local artist Carol Culhane. She created a tree adorned with leaves for attendees to inscribe the names of loved ones they wished to honor. This interactive and soul-stirring artwork allowed participants to contribute to a collective expression of solidarity and support in the fight against cancer, Robinson said.

“As guests were given the opportunity to add a loved one’s name to leaves, the tree transformed into a living tribute, embodying the strength of a community standing together against the challenges of cancer,” Robinson said. “Carol’s thoughtful design not only captured the essence of the event, but also provided a tangible representation of the shared commitment to making a difference in Orleans County. The leaves on the tree stand as a testament to the unity and resilience of a community dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.”

Last week, Culhane donated the framed artwork to Medina Memorial Hospital, where it now hangs in the hospital’s Imaging Department.

“Our team was thrilled to accept the finished piece of artwork,” Robinson said.

Culhane is a self-taught artist, who has made it her mission to support local heroes, veterans and charitable organizations.

“I enjoy doing artwork for different causes because I can,” Culhane said. “I have been given a gift and I have done my best in my life to give and share it. I am a humble person and I have lived a successful life in terms of refining my skill as an untrained artist. As I realized I have a talent that could provide a mechanism for people to share, enjoy and give to others, I found great joy in doing so.”

Culhane has designed and painted hundreds of Christmas ornaments for Wounded Warriors, Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star mothers. She was chosen to paint portraits of veterans on a Vietnam Memorial in Rochester and she painted the murals at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Each year, she designs and donates ornaments for a fundraiser for Hospice of Orleans County.

“Interacting with all walks of life, for example, children, elders, military, I have an opportunity to know each and everyone’s life story,” she said. “Whether it was a child full of joy and excitement at our tree farm or those fighting a serious disease; a member of our military who gave so much of his/her body and soul; or an elderly person so wise who shared their story with me, blessings came in many ways. My pen, pencil and paintbrush have been my blessing to share with others.”